GERMANY—Last year, the German Patent and Trademark Office published 200 patent applications from KBA. The company ranks 22nd in Germany's overall patent application statistics. Cutting-edge innovations in sheetfed offset resulted in a number of patent applications and further boosted KBA’s image as an innovator. These included world premieres like the no-sidelay infeed for the new Rapida 105 medium-format press, process innovations and refinements in hybrid technology, processes for product finishing and for printing on critical materials, and brand protection on packaging.